A new mental health project is to offer vital support from the centre of Ayr.
Weekly talking groups for both men and women will run from the town's Wellington Wellness Centre in Alloway Place.
Ayrshire Medical Services is behind the initiative aimed at offering support to those who need it most.
Taking inspiration from a national network of groups called 'Andy's Man Club,' the weekly sessions will provide a discussion platform from this month.
Alex McClintock, Scottish lead for Andy's Man Club, will set up the Monday sessions in Ayr and explained: "The need for people to talk has never been greater than it is now.
"Andy's Man Club was formed after a young family man called Andy Roberts took his own life, without warning, at the age of 23.
"The statistics tell you that one man takes his own life in the UK every two hours, so we simply need to talk more.
"Andy's Man Club has grown very quickly around the country as a way of offering support to people who need that avenue to talk to others.
"And it can open up other channels – the man may come to this session on a Monday night and his wife or partner may be encouraged to come along to the female sessions later in the week.
"We all need to feel comfortable opening up more."
Therapist Irene Irving will head up the 'Matter For Mary' support groups aimed at women each Wednesday from the same venue.
The group was born out of personal tragedy for Roseanne Savage, director at Ayrshire Medical Services, whose own sister tragically took her own life.
The groups will deal with a range of issues from suicide and anxiety to depression, social isolation and more.
Irene said: "We are coming out of a lockdown and the last year has been incredibly tough on the mental health of many, many people.
"It's never been more important to talk to those around us and know that the support and help is here."
Roseanne added: "As an occupational health company we recognised the importance of a holistic approach to health.
"As Covid hit, both mental health and physical health suffered, therefore, it was important we went one step further to support those in need.
"The waiting list for mental health treatment is a scandal and if we can help just one person and one life here, we are doing some good."
Ayr United Football Club and its academy are among those supporting the initiative, with chairman David Smith, manager David Hopkin and the AUFA's Shaun Ferrie attending the launch.
Smith said: "This is a fantastic initiative and one that deserves our full support.
"Offering mental health support really is an essential service and of all the ones we need to keep continuing as normal in these times, this is among the most important."
And QTS, who have made AMS their occupational health partners, are also backing the project with vital support.
Kirsty Craig, occupational health advisor for QTS Group, said: “This is a critical time for mental health services and we are pleased that Ayrshire Medical is taking these steps to help where they can in our local area.
"It is great news for the community that AMS are opening up to Andy’s Man Club and Matter for Mary to enable them to deliver their much needed services in a safe space for those who are struggling with their mental health."
Both support groups take place between 7pm and 9pm each week. For more details call (01292) 262770 or email info@ayrshiremedical.co.uk
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